Hi!
I'm about to replace the water pump on my wife's '02 SLT with the 4.7 engine. I've seen some posts on other engine sizes where people suggest going ahead & inspecting/replacing timing chain while replacing water pump.

The SUV has 167,000 miles on it and we've had it for only the last 50,000 or so miles. Since inspecting/replacing timing chain would be twice as much work as just replacing the water pump I'm leaning towards my old sayin' of: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." However, I can see where it may be worthwhile to go on & do it, especially since we plan on keeping the vehicle (no plans for trade-in or replacing).

For those of you with experience with the 4.7 - What's the history of it's timing chain endurance and what do you suggest?

Thanks for your time & input!

Have a great day!
HH

 

the timing chain is considered a lifetime part on all of the engines in these trucks, if it aint broke dont fix it. The only time to replace the timing chain is when it is actually broken or skipped a gear (does NOT happen very often) or when rebuilding the entire engine.

short version, just change your water pump and be done with it.

 

Thanks for the speedy reply, shrpshtr325!

"just change your water pump and be done with it."

I think that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

Let me take this opportunity to say how helpful this site has been to me over the last few days. We've had a few minor things pop up here & there with our '02 Durango, 4.7L, 2WD, over the years and I've found a lot of useful info posted here. Thanks to everyone that chips in!

Take care!
HH

 

glad that we could help, and thanks for letting us know